Heavy buses

This factsheet describes additional dimension requirements in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 and its 2010 amendment Rule for heavy buses (classes MD3, MD4 and ME). Please refer to Factsheet 13 for general dimension and mass limits and general towing requirements.

This factsheet also includes a length change in force from 1 May 2010, which has been highlighted to assist you to quickly determine how you might be affected, and indicating the previous limit.

For definitions of dimensions and axle terms see Factsheet 13, Vehicle dimensions and mass: guide to factsheet 13 series.

What is a heavy bus?

Heavy buses – sometimes called omnibuses – have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500 kilograms. They are classes MD3, MD4 and ME vehicles.

Compliance with heavy rigid vehicle requirements

Heavy buses must meet the requirements for heavy rigid vehicles in addition to the requirements in this factsheet. Please refer to Factsheet 13 for general dimension and mass limits. Factsheet 13a contains information about heavy rigid vehicles.

What are the maximum speed limits?

Heavy buses have a maximum legal speed limit of 90km/h.

School bus maximum speed

Vehicles used as school buses are limited to a maximum open road speed limit of 80km/h (see sub clause 5.6(2) of Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004).

What are the width and height for trolley buses?

The width and height measurements for a trolley bus do not include trolley bus poles and their safety cables, when extended to collect electric power from overhead conducting wires, provided there is a 2.5 metres ground clearance outside the body of the bus.

What are the stability requirements?

Heavy buses must comply with the stability and structural strength requirements in section 7 of Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles 1999.

What is the maximum length dispensation?

A rigid bus must meet the requirements of all rigid vehicles, refer to Factsheet 13a. However, there is a special dispensation in the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule to allow 13.5 metres (previously 12.6 metres) maximum length for a heavy bus, provided it has three axles where the rearmost axle is a single-tyred steering axle that is:

1. either positively and continuously linked to the front steer axle (except may be locked for reverse and high-speed operations), or
2. automatically locked at a speed of 30km/h in the straight-ahead position and for reverse operations.

This dispensation was made to assist with public transport and tourism.

What are the requirements for articulated buses?

Articulated buses have a driver's seat, a steering system, motive power and two rigid sections that articulate relative to each other. They have interconnecting compartments that allow passengers to move between them and are permanently coupled together.

Articulated buses have three axle sets and have special requirements, as follows:

• Maximum length: 18 metres.
• Rear axis position: Both front and rear sections of the bus have a rear axis. If the axle supporting the rear section is a steering axle, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will determine the position of the rear axis of the rear section.
• Forward distance: 8.5 metres (both front and rear sections). The forward distance of the rear section is the distance from the rear axis of the rear section to the articulation point.
• Rear overhang: The lesser of 4 metres or 50 percent of the forward distance of the rear section.
• Articulation point: Not further behind the rear axis of the front section than a distance equal to 40 percent of the wheelbase of the front section.
• Turning circle: For a 360 degree turn, the maximum outside diameter is 25 metres. The minimum inside radius is 5.3 metres.

An articulated bus is not allowed to tow a trailer.

What is the dispensation for bike racks on buses?

This dispensation was made to assist with intermodal transport and public health.

What are the dimensional requirements for a bus with a bike rack?

The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2010 Amendment allows a bike rack to be fitted to the front of a heavy bus, provided the vehicle can still manoeuvre adequately (swept-path requirement – see Factsheets 13). However, the vehicle must still be checked at the certification of fitness (CoF) inspection to make sure the other safety requirements are met.

If the swept-path requirements are met then the extra length of the load (usually about 1 metre) does not need to be included in the measurement of the length and forward distance of the bus.

However, the loaded bike rack (with bikes mounted) must still meet the front overhang requirement of not more than 3 metres from the front of the driver's seat in its rearmost position.

The bike rack when loaded or folded away must still meet the requirements of the Land Transport Rule: External Projections 2001 and driver's visibility must not be affected.

Where can I find out more?

You can also contact the NZTA:

• Email us: info@nzta.govt.nz.
• Phone our contact centre: 0800 699 000.
• Write to us: NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.